World AIDS Day is approaching this weekend, the annual campaign is a time to remember those we have lost to HIV and for communities to take a pledge to support those living with the condition. One of the biggest issues that people face when living with HIV is the harmful stigma, and this needs to stop.
Modern, effective treatments for HIV mean that those living with the condition cannot pass the virus on to others. Effective treatment means that the virus becomes “undetectable” in that individual; this is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U. Find out the facts here: Stigma is more harmful than HIV
As a clinician, would you recognise or know how to diagnose HIV? Late diagnosis can cause increased morbidity and mortality. You can enhance your knowledge and skills by completing the recently launched NES e-learning module available on TURAS Recognition and diagnosis of HIV infection | Turas | Learn. This can be accessed via QR code:
Anyone who thinks they might have HIV or requests a test should be offered one. See information on NHS Inform on testing HIV | NHS inform. Tests can be requested through Sexual Health Service or via Primary Care. Individuals can book a test at Sexual Health Service through an online booking system available here: Sexual Health Service – NHS Shetland. Home testing kits can be sent out, a request for this can be emailed to Sexual Health Service at: shet.sexualhealth@nhs.scot
Across Scotland, free self-testing at home kits can can be requested through the Terrence Higgins Trust – Self testing from Terrence Higgins Trust. Testing for HIV as well as other blood borne viruses is available to patients attending Substance Misuse Recovery Service (SMRS) and access to testing can also be arranged via Shetland Recovery Hub & Community Network.
Preventative treatment, or, HIV PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that can be prescribed to reduce the risk of HIV infection; this is available on prescription from Sexual Health Clinic. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is a treatment that can stop the virus taking hold when a person has been exposed. This is available from A&E and should be taken as soon after the exposure as possible.
Lerwick Town Hall will be lit up Red on Monday 2nd December 2024 to mark the occasion of World Aids Day. We would encourage everyone to take a moment, take the pledge and help stamp out the stigma of HIV.
Kathleen Jamieson, Health Protection Nurse Specialist.
